Introduction
Summary of the book This Could Be Our Future by Yancey Strickler. Before we start, let’s delve into a short overview of the book. Unlocking a Greener, Kinder Future for Everyone Imagine a world where money doesn’t hold the ultimate power, where communities thrive on generosity, and creativity blossoms without the constant pressure to profit. ‘This Could Be Our Future’ by Yancey Strickler invites us to envision just that. Instead of chasing endless profits, we can build a society that values friendship, knowledge, and community. This book challenges the idea that money is the only thing that matters and shows how shifting our focus can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life for everyone. As you dive into these chapters, you’ll discover inspiring stories and practical ideas that reveal how we can create a more generous and sustainable world. Get ready to embark on a journey that could change the way you see money and success forever.
Chapter 1: How Invisible Ideas Like Financial Maximization Secretly Control Our Lives.
Have you ever wondered why money seems to dictate almost everything we do? From the jobs we take to the schools our children attend, financial maximization—the idea that making the most money is the most important goal—shapes our decisions. This chapter explores how such invisible ideas have become the backbone of our society since the 1970s. When Yancey Strickler and his partners launched Kickstarter in 2005, many thought they were crazy for trying something new. They wanted to create a platform where people could support creative projects without the usual financial pressures. Fast forward to today, Kickstarter has funded over 100,000 creative ideas, proving that there’s more to value than just money. This shift shows that our traditional beliefs about success can be challenged and changed.
But why did financial maximization become so dominant? It started with influential thinkers like Milton Friedman, who argued that businesses should focus solely on profits. This idea quickly spread, influencing not just Wall Street but every part of our lives. Companies began prioritizing shareholder returns over community well-being, leading to practices like mass layoffs and poor service quality. As financial maximization took hold, we began to see money as the only true measure of success, overshadowing other forms of human value like community, knowledge, and friendship. This narrow focus limits our potential and keeps us from exploring what truly makes life meaningful.
Kickstarter’s success demonstrated that people crave more than just financial gain. When creative projects flourish without the pressure to maximize profits, they bring joy and innovation to society. Oscar-winning documentaries and popular games are just the beginning of what can be achieved when we value creativity over money. This revelation is a powerful reminder that our ideas about how the world should work are not set in stone. They can evolve, allowing us to create a future where generosity and creativity thrive alongside financial stability.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to question the long-held belief that money is the ultimate goal. By recognizing the power of invisible ideas, we can begin to shift our focus towards a more balanced and fulfilling approach to success. This chapter sets the stage for understanding how deeply financial maximization has influenced our lives and why it’s time to explore alternative values that can lead us to a better future.
Chapter 2: The Hidden Roots of Greed and Distrust in Our Capitalist Society.
Have you ever felt that people around you are more focused on making money than on building genuine relationships? This chapter delves into how the belief that financial maximization is the only rational choice has fostered a climate of greed and distrust. It all started with Adam Smith, the father of modern capitalism, who believed that society functions best when everyone acts in their own self-interest. However, Smith didn’t mean that businesses should exploit workers or degrade product quality just to increase profits. Over time, this original idea was twisted, leading businesses to prioritize profit above all else, often at the expense of ethics and community values.
The Cold War era introduced a new way of thinking called game theory, developed by the Rand Corporation. Game theory uses mathematical models to predict the outcomes of different strategies, encouraging decisions that maximize immediate gains. One famous example is the prisoner’s dilemma, where individuals choose to betray each other for personal benefit, even though cooperation would lead to a better overall outcome. This mindset has permeated various sectors, making financial gain the primary objective in business, government, and beyond. As a result, values like honor and loyalty have taken a backseat to strategies that prioritize profit, fueling a culture of distrust and competition.
Businesses adopted game theory principles to justify their actions, often resulting in practices that harm employees and communities. Mass layoffs, budget cuts, and tax evasion became common as companies sought to maximize profits for shareholders. This relentless focus on financial gain not only damaged the reputation of businesses but also eroded trust among individuals and institutions. People began to see each other as competitors rather than collaborators, leading to a fragmented society where greed overshadowed compassion and cooperation.
Understanding the impact of game theory on our societal values helps us see why greed and distrust have become so prevalent. By recognizing these hidden influences, we can start to challenge the notion that financial maximization is the only rational path. This chapter encourages us to rethink our priorities and explore ways to rebuild trust and community by valuing ethical behavior and long-term relationships over short-term financial gains.
Chapter 3: How Financial Maximization is Making Everything in Entertainment Bland and Predictable.
Have you ever noticed how many movies and songs today seem similar? This chapter explores how the drive for financial maximization has led to a lack of diversity and creativity in entertainment. Take the example of Sam Hunt’s ‘Body Like a Back Road,’ a song that dominated the Billboard charts for months despite being quite average in quality. Its success wasn’t due to exceptional artistry but rather its alignment with what makes the most money. This trend is evident across various forms of entertainment, where the focus on profit often overshadows originality and creativity.
Back in the early days of radio, each community had its own unique station with diverse voices and music. However, as financial regulations relaxed from the 1970s onward, big corporations started buying up multiple radio stations. By 1996, companies could own almost unlimited stations, leading to a homogenization of the music played. With only a handful of songs dominating the charts, variety took a hit. This lack of diversity is why a mediocre song like ‘Body Like a Back Road’ could stay at the top for so long. The same logic applies to Hollywood, where 61% of new movies are sequels, prequels, or adaptations, as these familiar stories are seen as safer financial bets than original ideas.
The consequences of financial maximization extend beyond entertainment. In cities like New York, big business chains have taken over neighborhoods, pushing out small businesses and iconic venues due to rising rents and financial pressures. This not only diminishes the unique character of communities but also limits opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The dominance of large corporations means that our daily lives are increasingly influenced by profit-driven decisions, stifling creativity and innovation.
By understanding how financial maximization makes everything the same, we can begin to appreciate the importance of diversity and creativity. This chapter highlights the need to support independent artists, small businesses, and original ideas to ensure that our cultural landscape remains vibrant and varied. Embracing diversity in entertainment and other areas can lead to a more enriching and enjoyable society for everyone.
Chapter 4: How the Rich Keep Getting Richer While Everyone Else Struggles to Make Ends Meet.
Have you ever wondered why the gap between the rich and the poor keeps widening? This chapter uncovers how financial maximization benefits the wealthy while leaving others behind. The so-called ‘maximizing class’—bankers, brokers, consultants, and strategists—are experts at extracting wealth and minimizing costs. They focus on growing profits for big businesses and maximizing shareholder returns, often by slashing budgets, cutting wages, and avoiding taxes. This relentless pursuit of profit ensures that the rich continue to amass more wealth, while the average worker sees minimal wage growth.
Consider the stark difference in wage growth over the decades. From 1948 to 1973, the average American worker’s wage grew by 91%. However, between 1973 and 2013, it only increased by a mere 9.2%, with the middle class seeing an even smaller rise of 3%. Meanwhile, executive compensation skyrocketed by 1,000% since 1977, highlighting how profits are disproportionately distributed. This disparity is a direct result of financial maximization, where the focus is on enriching a select few rather than ensuring fair compensation for all workers who contribute to a company’s success.
The maximizing class employs a consistent strategy to grow their wealth: first, they merge big businesses to eliminate competition. Then, they cut costs through mass layoffs and budget reductions, passing the savings to politicians who promise tax cuts and looser regulations. The remaining profits are funneled back to executives and shareholders, creating a cycle where the rich get richer at the expense of employees and local communities. This strategy not only harms workers but also weakens communities by reducing job security and diminishing economic diversity.
Ultimately, financial maximization creates a system where the rich thrive while everyone else bears the burden. This chapter emphasizes the need to rethink our economic priorities and advocate for fairer distribution of wealth. By challenging the practices that allow the rich to keep getting richer, we can work towards a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to prosper.
Chapter 5: Why Money Alone Can’t Bring True Happiness and Fulfillment.
Have you ever felt like having more money doesn’t necessarily make you happier? This chapter explores why money isn’t the best measure of human happiness and fulfillment. While it’s undeniable that money is important for meeting our basic needs like healthcare, housing, and transportation, it doesn’t guarantee long-term happiness. According to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, once our survival and safety are secured, we seek higher-order needs like love, self-actualization, and personal growth. Focusing solely on financial gain can prevent us from reaching these deeper levels of fulfillment.
When money becomes the end goal, it can hinder our ability to pursue meaningful relationships and personal passions. For example, if someone is constantly stressed about making ends meet, they may not have the energy or time to focus on hobbies, friendships, or personal development. This obsession with money can lead to a superficial sense of happiness that lacks true satisfaction and purpose. On the other hand, when financial stability is achieved, individuals can focus on what truly brings them joy and fulfillment, such as helping others, creating art, or pursuing education.
Moreover, societal measures like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) emphasize economic growth over human well-being. GDP only accounts for financial transactions, ignoring factors like mental health, community strength, and environmental sustainability. As a result, a country can have a high GDP while its citizens suffer from stress, loneliness, and a lack of purpose. This disconnect highlights the inadequacy of using money as the sole indicator of a nation’s success and well-being.
To build a happier and more fulfilling society, we need to look beyond money and consider other values that contribute to human happiness. By prioritizing relationships, personal growth, and community well-being, we can create a world where people are truly happy and fulfilled, not just financially successful. This chapter encourages us to redefine what success means and seek a more balanced approach to life that values more than just money.
Chapter 6: Bentoism: A Simple Strategy to Balance Money with Your True Values.
Have you ever felt torn between making money and staying true to your personal values? This chapter introduces Bentoism, a Japanese-inspired strategy that helps us make balanced decisions by considering all our important values. Just like a bento box has different compartments for various foods, Bentoism encourages us to organize our lives into different areas of value. These areas include present self-interest, future goals, relationships, and the well-being of future generations. By balancing these compartments, we can make decisions that honor our values beyond just financial gain.
Imagine your life as a bento box with four compartments: Now You, Future You, Now Us, and Future Us. ‘Now You’ focuses on your immediate needs and desires, such as pleasure, security, and autonomy, often driven by the desire to make money quickly. ‘Future You’ represents the person you aspire to be, valuing purpose, mastery, and resilience. ‘Now Us’ encompasses your relationships and community, emphasizing fairness, tradition, and support for those around you. Lastly, ‘Future Us’ considers the world your children and future generations will inherit, highlighting sustainability, awareness, and knowledge.
Using Bentoism, you can evaluate decisions by weighing the importance of each compartment. For example, if you’re offered a high-paying job that conflicts with your personal values, Bentoism helps you consider not just the immediate financial benefits but also how the job aligns with your long-term goals, your relationships, and the impact on the world. This holistic approach ensures that your decisions reflect a balance of all your values, leading to a more fulfilling and ethical life.
Bentoism isn’t just for individuals; it can also guide companies in making ethical decisions. Kickstarter, for example, has grown steadily by prioritizing the interests of the creative community over rapid financial gain. By embracing a broader spectrum of values, businesses can thrive while also contributing positively to society. This chapter shows how Bentoism offers a practical framework for balancing money with other important values, helping us create a life and a world that align with our true beliefs and aspirations.
Chapter 7: Seeing the Bigger Picture: How Valuing Fairness Can Transform Our Lives.
Have you ever felt frustrated when something seems unfair, like tickets for your favorite concert selling out instantly? This chapter illustrates how valuing fairness over money can lead to better outcomes for everyone. Take Adele’s approach to ticket sales as an example. Instead of allowing scalpers to buy and resell tickets at exorbitant prices, Adele partnered with Songkick to prioritize her most loyal fans. By using data to identify true fans, she ensured that tickets went to those who genuinely wanted to attend, reducing scalping to less than 2%. This decision prioritized fairness and loyalty over maximizing profits, creating a better experience for her fans.
When we prioritize values like fairness and loyalty, we begin to see the bigger picture beyond immediate financial gains. Adele’s strategy shows that focusing on what’s right for her community of fans can lead to long-term success and a stronger, more loyal following. Similarly, in sports, the NBA initially struggled with the three-point shot because teams focused only on short-term success. However, data analysis revealed that taking more three-pointers actually led to more points over time. Embracing this broader perspective transformed the game, demonstrating that looking beyond immediate gains can result in better strategies and outcomes.
By valuing fairness and considering the long-term effects of our decisions, we can create systems and practices that benefit everyone. Whether it’s in business, sports, or everyday life, focusing on fairness leads to more sustainable and positive results. This chapter encourages us to think beyond quick profits and consider how our actions impact others and the future. By doing so, we can build stronger communities, foster loyalty, and achieve greater overall success.
Ultimately, seeing the bigger picture means recognizing that our actions have far-reaching consequences. When we prioritize fairness and other values over short-term financial gains, we contribute to a more just and equitable society. This shift in perspective not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the fabric of our communities, making the world a better place for everyone. Embracing this broader view can transform our lives and the world around us, proving that fairness and integrity can coexist with success and prosperity.
Chapter 8: The Slow and Steady Path to Changing Society’s Money-Driven Values.
Have you ever noticed how some of the biggest changes in society took time to become accepted? This chapter explores how shifting our values away from financial maximization requires patience and persistence. Think about how jogging used to be seen as strange in the 1960s, even leading to arrests. It wasn’t until President John F. Kennedy made physical activity a national priority that jogging became a common and accepted pastime. Similarly, changing our societal focus from money to a broader set of values will take time, often decades, to become ingrained in our culture.
Changing deeply held beliefs and practices doesn’t happen overnight. It typically takes about 30 years for significant societal shifts to occur, as seen with the rise of exercise and the decline of smoking. These changes often begin during times of crisis or when new ideas prove their worth against skepticism. Just as jogging became mainstream through consistent promotion and societal support, shifting our values away from money requires ongoing effort and advocacy. This gradual process allows new values to take root and become part of the cultural norm.
The journey towards a value system that prioritizes generosity, community, and sustainability over financial gain is challenging but necessary. Financial maximization has long dominated our society, leading to the decline of small businesses, stifled creativity, and increased inequality. To reverse these trends, we need to adopt a broader spectrum of values that support diverse communities and foster innovation. This shift involves rethinking our economic systems, supporting ethical businesses, and valuing long-term well-being over short-term profits.
Patience and persistence are key to making lasting changes. Just as it took decades for jogging to become a normal activity, it will take time for society to embrace new values that prioritize generosity and sustainability. However, every small step towards these values contributes to a larger transformation. By consistently advocating for and practicing these principles, we can gradually build a society that values more than just money, creating a future that is kinder, fairer, and more fulfilling for everyone.
Chapter 9: How Small Businesses and Local Communities Can Thrive Beyond Financial Maximization.
Have you ever felt that big corporations overshadow local businesses and communities? This chapter highlights how moving away from financial maximization can help small businesses and local communities flourish. When financial maximization is the primary goal, large corporations dominate markets, pushing out small businesses that add unique value to their communities. However, by prioritizing values like community support, sustainability, and creativity, small businesses can compete and thrive without being crushed by profit-driven giants.
Local businesses often bring diversity and character to their communities, offering unique products and personalized services that big corporations cannot match. When communities support these businesses, they create a vibrant and dynamic local economy. For example, independent bookstores, cafes, and artisans contribute to the cultural richness of a neighborhood, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among residents. By valuing these contributions over the convenience and uniformity of large chains, we can preserve the unique identity of our communities.
Moreover, supporting small businesses can lead to more sustainable and ethical practices. Local businesses are more likely to source materials responsibly, treat employees fairly, and engage in environmentally friendly practices. This contrasts with large corporations that may prioritize cost-cutting and profit over ethical considerations. By choosing to support small businesses, consumers can encourage practices that align with their values, promoting a more sustainable and just economy.
Communities that prioritize values beyond financial maximization also benefit from stronger social bonds and increased resilience. When people support each other and work together for the common good, they create a supportive network that can withstand economic challenges and foster innovation. This collaborative spirit leads to a more vibrant and resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. This chapter emphasizes the importance of valuing and supporting small businesses and local communities as essential components of a thriving, diverse, and sustainable society.
Chapter 10: How Embracing Sustainability and Knowledge Can Lead to a Brighter Future for Everyone.
Have you ever thought about how our choices today affect the world our children will inherit? This chapter explores the importance of embracing sustainability and knowledge as core values to ensure a brighter future for everyone. Financial maximization often overlooks long-term impacts, focusing instead on immediate profits. However, by prioritizing sustainability, we can make decisions that protect the environment and resources for future generations. Similarly, valuing knowledge encourages continuous learning and innovation, driving progress that benefits society as a whole.
Sustainability involves making choices that do not deplete resources or harm the environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a healthy planet. This means supporting renewable energy, reducing waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices in businesses and daily life. By integrating sustainability into our values, we create a more resilient and enduring economy that can withstand environmental challenges and preserve natural resources for the future.
Valuing knowledge and education also plays a crucial role in shaping a better future. Continuous learning and the pursuit of knowledge drive innovation and problem-solving, enabling us to address complex issues like climate change, poverty, and inequality. By fostering a culture that prioritizes education and intellectual growth, we empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to society and drive positive change.
Together, sustainability and knowledge form a powerful foundation for a future that is both prosperous and equitable. This chapter encourages us to adopt these values in our personal lives, businesses, and communities, ensuring that our progress benefits everyone and preserves the planet for generations to come. Embracing these principles not only enhances our own lives but also creates a legacy of responsibility and care for the world we share.
Chapter 11: How Every Small Decision Can Contribute to a Generous and Sustainable World.
Have you ever felt that your actions are too small to make a difference? This chapter reveals how every small decision we make can collectively contribute to building a more generous and sustainable world. Whether it’s choosing to support ethical businesses, reducing waste, or fostering positive relationships, each choice adds up to significant change. By aligning our daily actions with our broader values, we can create a ripple effect that transforms our communities and the world at large.
For example, opting to buy from a local business instead of a large corporation supports the local economy and preserves the unique character of your community. Similarly, reducing your personal waste by recycling or using reusable products helps protect the environment and conserve resources for future generations. These small actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can lead to substantial improvements in sustainability and community well-being.
Moreover, fostering positive relationships and supporting each other in our communities builds a strong social fabric that is essential for a generous society. Simple acts of kindness, volunteering, and collaborating on community projects enhance social bonds and create a sense of belonging and mutual support. These connections make communities more resilient and better equipped to handle challenges, whether economic, environmental, or social.
Ultimately, this chapter emphasizes that building a generous and sustainable world starts with the choices we make every day. By consciously aligning our actions with our values, we contribute to a larger movement towards a better future. Each small decision, no matter how insignificant it may seem, plays a crucial role in shaping the world we live in. Embracing this responsibility empowers us to make meaningful contributions and inspires others to do the same, creating a collective force for positive change.
All about the Book
This Could Be Our Future by Yancey Strickler explores innovative ideas for social and economic transformation, urging readers to envision a sustainable and equitable future, blending personal ethics with community-driven approaches to create meaningful change.
Yancey Strickler, co-founder of Kickstarter, is a visionary thinker and author dedicated to promoting positive societal shifts through creative capitalism, inspiring individuals to rethink their role in shaping a better future.
Entrepreneurs, Social Activists, Educators, Policy Makers, Financial Analysts
Reading about social impact, Sustainable living, Entrepreneurship, Community service, Creative writing
Wealth inequality, Sustainability, Community empowerment, Corporate responsibility
The future is a story we all tell together, and we have the power to make it a better one.
Arianna Huffington, Malcolm Gladwell, Emma Watson
Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Nominee, Amazon Best Seller, Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee
1. Why should we strive for a bento mindset? #2. How does bentoism expand our decision-making horizon? #3. Can future thinking create more sustainable businesses? #4. What is the role of multisolving in society? #5. How can we integrate moral considerations in growth? #6. Why prioritize community impact over short-term profits? #7. What makes bentoism relevant to our everyday choices? #8. How do we define true value beyond money? #9. Can long-term visions solve today’s pressing issues? #10. What constitutes an aspirational and ethical future? #11. How is shared good pivotal to decision-making? #12. Why is short-termism detrimental to societal well-being? #13. How do we cultivate collective rather than individual gain? #14. What does it mean to plan for future generations? #15. How do historical examples illustrate lasting value systems? #16. What can we learn from purpose-driven companies’ success? #17. How do shared values guide comfortable decision-making? #18. Why is community well-being essential for future success? #19. What strategies foster a blend of ethics and profit? #20. How do alternative metrics redefine personal achievement?
This Could Be Our Future, Yancey Strickler, future of capitalism, impact investing, transformative ideas, social entrepreneurship, business for good, sustainable business practices, innovative economic models, potential of society, values-driven business, social impact books
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525537130
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